McCarthy Says Packers Still Interested in Finley, Jolly

Although their moves in the NFL Draft signal the Green Bay Packers are preparing to move on without tight end Jermichael Finley and defensive lineman Johnny Jolly, coach Mike McCarthy says the Packers are still interested in both players.

Both guys suffered neck injuries during the 2013 season, which resulted in spinal fusion surgery. We know Finley hasn’t been cleared yet and we don’t know much about Jolly’s condition.

What we do know is both guys remain free agents. We also know the Packers now have plenty of bodies at the positions they play.

After drafting Richard Rodgers in the third round, the Packers have five tight ends with a legit chance of making the roster. Similarly, they drafted defensive lineman Khyri Thornton in the third. He joins a group that added Letroy Guion and Julius Peppers in the offseason.

So even though it may not look it, McCarthy says the Packers still want their two veteran players to return if they’re cleared.

“I’ll say this about Jermichael and Johnny: First and foremost, I just want them to be healthy,” McCarthy said Saturday. “And then with that, they’re obviously our players and we have strong interest in. We’ll see what happens after that. But I’m just being in communication with Dr. McKenzie and we’re watching their health situation.”

If either guy returns, it will be a bonus for the Packers.

Both are starting-caliber players that can make plays. That being said, the Packers look like they’ll be just fine without them.

numbers immediately after the Finley’s injury were for an extended recovery time. A player from the Ravens – LB McClain – had a spinal cord contusion in Dec 2012 with NO surgery and it took him 10 months just to be cleared to practice. Finley has a long way to go. I would be very surprised if he was cleared before August, if at all. and that’s just for practice.

Big Mike talks too much, like last year after another horrible loss when he said “there will be changes this week!!” then two days later after no changes…
“did i say that”….hahahaha you funny…why not just clam up…

Every body is different. He plays(/ed) professional football for a living, they work out, a LOT; that will stem the process. Three years off from the game of football has taken a considerable less toll on his body than three years of taking on double teams and tackling ball carriers-that’s a lot of force/pressure your body parts have to deal wit. Sure, senescence takes its toll, but the wear-and-tear of the game does a lot more to one’s body than aging, esp. at this stage in one’s life.

He was part of a top 5 D, he’s highly affordable, he’s nasty, he’s a familiar name, and he has a great story-that, in short, is why people want him back. Is he worth a roster spot is the better question? Now? No. When half of our D is on the DL again? Perhaps.